In the first two weeks of February, inflation in food and drinks has again raised alarms, threatening to maintain pressure on the general price index after a January in which this sector was the main driver of the monthly increase. The controversy escalated with the departure of Marco Lavagna from the leadership of INDEC, in a context where the administration of Javier Milei defends disinflation as one of its main assets, but faces resistance when the monthly figure fails to break the 2% threshold. In parallel, the summertime seasonality and the disparate behavior of fruits and vegetables add volatility to a basket that directly impacts mass consumption and the social perception of inflation, beyond the general average. Measurements by EcoGoubi place food inflation for February in a range of 2.6% to 2.8%, with signs of acceleration in the second week. In their survey, they noted that prices for 'in-home' foods began to show greater tension, while 'out-of-home' consumption grew at a slightly slower pace.
Food Inflation in Argentina Continues to Rise
Food inflation in Argentina accelerated again in early February, becoming the main factor of pressure on the general price index. After a sharp increase in January, when food and drink prices rose by 4.7%, experts predict that this indicator will remain high in February, threatening the government's plans to combat inflation.
